Titus

God's grace provides the foundation for Paul's instructions and exhortations. God's grace has saved us, and it teaches us both by teaching us what to do and by providing enablement to live appropriately. God's grace flows from the work of Jesus Christ who "gave himself for us" in order "to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." God's grace enables us to live rightly in the present while giving us a future perspective as well. We eagerly await for the appearing of Jesus Christ, who is our Savior and our great God. These are the truths Titus should teach to encourage the church and rebuke the heretics.

Paul moved his thoughts to the duties of all believers, especially in relation to the government and the non-Christian world. Verses 1-2 remind Christians of their duty to government leaders and authorities. It is important to note that early Christian teaching was not limited to the way of salvation, but included exhortations concerning the practical implications for daily life (see Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17).

Some might suggest that such a response to ungodly leaders was inappropriate. Paul met this objection by reminding them of their own pre-Chris-tian condition. It is only by God's "mercy" that we are saved. God brought about our salvation by changing our lives through the work of the Holy Spirit who was "poured out on us" By God's gracious gift of Christ's righteousness to us God now declares us justified in His sight and heirs of eternal life. (See the article "Salvation in Paul's Thought.")

Paul concluded his letter with further instructions about false teachers. Their stubborn refusal to listen to correction revealed their inner corruption.

Paul announced his plans for the future. Another worker, Artemas or Tychicus, would be sent to replace Titus in Crete. Titus did not need to carry the burden alone. This transition situation offered Paul one more chance to stress the idea that believers need to be characterized by noble deeds. All the workers with Paul joined in sending greetings. Paul's typical closing blessings are addressed to all to whom Titus was to share Paul's greetings.

Theological Significance. Like the other pastoral letters, Paul's letter to Titus focuses on keeping the faith and refuting heresy. Especially significant, considering the nature of the Cretan heresy, are the repeated emphases on doctrinal fidelity (2:11-14; 3:4-7) and faithful living (1:16; 2:7,14; 3:1,8,14). The letter makes it plain that the Christian life is grounded in the grace of God (2:11-14). Believers must recognize this truth and rebuke heresy and avoid legalism (1:10-16). This can be done only by grace; grace that saves, grace that teaches, grace that strengthens, and grace that enables. In so doing we can see the relationship between doctrine and practice.

Fee, Gordon D. 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1984.

Guthrie, Donald. The Pastoral Epistles. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1957.

Kent, Homer A., Jr. The Pastoral Epistles. Chicago: Moody, 1982.

Lea, Thomas D. and Hayne P. Griffin, Jr. 1, 2 Timothy, Titus. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman, 1992.

Stott, John R. W. Guard the Gospel. Rev. ed. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1997.